watchOS 26 Public Beta Adds Liquid Glass & AI Coaching
Apple has rolled out the first public beta version of watchOS 26 for its popular smartwatch lineup, promising to elevate the user experience to an entirely new level. This update not only enhances fitness and health tracking but also equips the Apple Watch with advanced features designed to make it an even smarter companion in daily life. In this report, we break down all the new features, design upgrades, and technical improvements of watchOS 26 to give you a complete overview.
Liquid Glass: A fresh, striking look for Apple Watch
With watchOS 26, Apple has introduced a new visual style called “Liquid Glass.” This design refresh gives key interface elements like Smart Stack widgets, Control Centre tiles, passcode screens, and notifications a modern, translucent, and polished appearance. The Liquid Glass effects aren’t just aesthetically appealing – they make the user interface feel more intuitive and premium, lending a more refined and contemporary feel to every interaction on the Apple Watch screen.
Workout Buddy: Your personal fitness coach on the wrist
Perhaps the most significant and exciting addition in watchOS 26 is Workout Buddy, an Apple Intelligence–powered coaching assistant that brings a fresh dimension to your fitness regime. This voice-driven feature analyses your workout history and provides real-time motivation and guidance. Users can choose between three synthesised voice options modelled on Apple Fitness+ trainers, tailored to personal preference. (Note: This feature requires Apple Intelligence to be active on a paired iPhone.)
Workout Buddy supports a wide range of workout types – running, walking, cycling, HIIT, and strength training – customising sessions and tracking progress while offering tips for improvement. The redesigned Workout app makes navigation easier, with the Digital Crown allowing smooth switching between workouts. Music playback will now dynamically match your workout mood, curated via Apple Music, keeping energy levels high throughout.
Smart Stack: Widgets that adapt to your surroundings
Smart Stack widgets have become more intelligent in watchOS 26, automatically surfacing relevant widgets based on your environment. For instance, if you enter a dark space, the flashlight widget will appear instantly. Additionally, notification sounds now adjust automatically to ambient noise levels, ensuring alerts are neither missed nor unnecessarily disruptive.
Messages gain Live Translation, Notes app debuts
The Messages app now features Live Translation, enabling instant translation of texts – a huge benefit for users engaged in multilingual communication. For the first time, the Notes app also arrives on Apple Watch, allowing quick note-taking and viewing of saved notes. Editing notes isn’t supported yet, but it still offers a fast and handy way to jot down information on the go.
Wrist Flick: New gesture adds quicker control
A small yet practical addition in watchOS 26 is Wrist Flick, a gesture that allows users to dismiss notifications, silence calls, or close Smart Stack widgets with a simple flick of the wrist. This subtle enhancement makes everyday interactions faster and more effortless. Apple has also refreshed watch faces – some older faces have been removed, while several new ones have been added. Notably, analogue watch faces now feature a sweeping seconds hand for a more classic, elegant look.
Health monitoring gets smarter and more precise
Health tracking features have been upgraded significantly. Heart rate, sleep monitoring, and stress tracking are now more accurate and effective. New additions include hydration reminders, interval training support, and enhanced outdoor activity tracking – all aimed at supporting a healthier lifestyle for users.
Which devices will support watchOS 26?
watchOS 26 will be available for Apple Watch models paired with iPhone 11 or later running iOS 26. Supported models include Apple Watch SE (2nd generation), Series 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and the Ultra lineup – ensuring that a large number of users can access this public beta.
Conclusion
Apple’s watchOS 26 public beta signals the company’s clear intent to evolve the Apple Watch beyond a fitness tracker into a more personal, AI-enhanced assistant. With the new Workout Buddy, adaptive Smart Stack widgets, and eye-catching Liquid Glass design, this update sets the stage for a more intelligent and personalised smartwatch experience.
While Apple is expected to refine and expand the platform further with the stable release later this year, the public beta already marks a significant step forward for Apple Watch users.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is watchOS 26 Public Beta?
watchOS 26 Public Beta is the first test version of Apple’s upcoming smartwatch software, offering users early access to new features like Liquid Glass design, AI-powered Workout Buddy, and smarter health tools before the final release.
Which Apple Watch models support watchOS 26?
watchOS 26 is compatible with Apple Watch SE (2nd generation), Series 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and the Ultra models, provided they are paired with an iPhone 11 or later running iOS 26.
What is the new Liquid Glass feature in watchOS 26?
Liquid Glass is a refreshed design style in watchOS 26 that gives widgets, notifications, and key interface elements a modern, translucent, and polished look for a more premium user experience.
What is Workout Buddy in watchOS 26?
Workout Buddy is an AI-powered coaching assistant using Apple Intelligence that provides real-time workout guidance, motivational voice coaching, and personalised fitness tracking on your Apple Watch.
Can I take notes on my Apple Watch with watchOS 26?
Yes, watchOS 26 introduces the Notes app on Apple Watch for the first time, allowing users to quickly create and view notes. However, editing notes is not supported yet.
How can I install the watchOS 26 Public Beta?
To install the watchOS 26 Public Beta, you must sign up for Apple’s Beta Software Program, pair your compatible Apple Watch with an iPhone 11 or newer running iOS 26, and download the update via the Watch app.
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